Vancouver Sun Run 2007
A record-breaking 54,317 people revelled in sunny skies as they ran, walked or propelled themselves through downtown streets for Sunday morning's Vancouver Sun Run. The official registration showed this year's high-energy event, the biggest 10K run in the country, had the highest number of participants in its 23-year history. Participants of all skill levels, including elite athletes, people in wheelchairs, walkers, shufflers and children swept through the city. Along the main route -- which went down Georgia Street, through to Lagoon Drive, back along Beach Avenue and over the Burrard Bridge before wrapping up in front of BC Place -- live bands busted out tunes ranging from reggae to rock while volunteers and spectators hollered words of encouragement. It was an incredible experience, said first-time participant Qiang Yang, the consul-general of China in B.C. "I saw that Vancouver is full of energy -- very active," said Yang, speaking through a translator. "It was fun. I found it very good." He plans to do it again next year, he said, and will encourage other people to join in. "I'd like to see more Chinese- Canadians take part in the run," he said. "Next year, I'll ask more consulate members to take part." There's nothing quite like running along with a pack while a crowd cheers you on, said Vikram Goghari, a third-time Sun Run participant. "I guess it motivates me to exercise more every year," said Goghari, 29. "It's nice to get cheered on." The party-like atmosphere is a big part of what appeals to the students of Archbishop O'Leary Catholic high school in Edmonton, said teacher Renee Przyswitt. For the past five years, the school's Grade 11 and 12 students have bused to Vancouver to participate in the run. She said the event is inspirational for young people. "It's about teamwork, dedication, fun and it's sociable," Przyswitt said. Her student, Kelly Penner, 17, nodded. "I was really looking forward to it," said Penner, who completed her run in about 55 minutes. "I thought it was good. You have to push yourself." Two hours after the 9 a.m. race start, an after-party was well underway inside BC Place. Hundreds of people with flushed cheeks and satisfied expressions -- dressed in track shoes, sweat pants and race T-shirts -- munched on free bagels and bananas. The 70s tune, We Are Family by Sister Sledge, played overhead. Jamie Pitblado, official spokesman for the event, said the run gets bigger and better every year. "I mean, so many people are doing it now. Once you do it, it's contagious," he said. "Maybe people are wising up to the whole issue of obesity. It gets people thinking and setting a fitness goal." Seventy-three-year-old Paul Russell trained about twice a week for the run. He was a little disappointed by his 52-minute time, though. "I was hoping to break 50 minutes," he said, grinning and shaking his head. "I overdid it in the first half and didn't have energy to do it after that." Despite that, he said, it was an enjoyable experience. "The sun was out," said Russell. "It was great." And there's always next year. Story link: tinyurl.com/2fwvws
